- TAPPI TIP: Stretch Wrapped Loads - WGC: David M. Zerr

This is to request development of a TAPPI TIP that would provide recommended load containment values and measurement tools for the wide range of tissue products in North America. Intent of these guidelines would be to set targeted load containment values (and ranges), measured in pounds, and appropriate measurement tools for various loads. These guidelines will be based on the type and weight characteristics of the unitized load. For example, load containment values for a unitized load of Retail Bath poly bundles would require a considerably lower load containment force contrasted with a unitized load of Away-from-Home Bath Tissue held in corrugated containers. There is a balance needed for these load containment values. Too heavy of a load containment force will crush the outer cases and damage product. Too light and the product will move in transit, cause the stretch wrap to literally fall to the ground and potentially create issues of falling product as the trailer’s doors are opened.

- TAPPI TIP: Automating Measurement of Wear, Permeability and Moisture Levels in Felts - WGC: David M. Zerr

This is to request development of a TAPPI TIP that would provide a replacement to the traditional hand-held devices used to measure paper machine felt conditions for wear, moisture levels and permeability. Data provided by these devices are used to understand dewatering performance and is the basis to manufacture high quality paper and machine efficiency. However, these manual measurements are considered unsafe workplace practices because the paper machine has to be running to take these measurements. For safety reasons, many companies have banned these manual measurements. To address this need, several paper machine manufacturers have developed automated or semi-automated systems to make these same measurements. 

Intent of this TAPPI TIP is to identify the safety risks using hand-held devices currently in use and promote use of these new systems that automate or semi-automate these measurements. This removes exposure to the safety risks associated with measurements using hand-held devices and permits more frequent measurement of same. Once a cross beam is placed across the paper machine, these portable units can be used in multiple locations on the same paper machine or across multiple paper machines. Regular press fabric measurements are a key factor to the overall running efficiency of a paper machine.  The performance of fabrics for dewatering trends and permeability are best measured during running conditions. This provides the best predictions on press performance and any troubleshooting or machine changes can then be carried out.  

If you would like to join the Working Group of any of these TIPs, please write to standards@tappi.org